Instruction 
Instruction on the Rule by noteworthy modern day monastics or oblates
Fallacy of worldly logic
The logic of worldly success rests on a fallacy-the strange error that our perfection depends on the thoughts and opinions and applause of other men. A weird life it is to be living always in somebody else’s imagination, as if that were the only place in which one could become real. Thomas Merton
Make the Lord your joy
My advice to you is to turn aside occasionally from troubled and anxious pondering on the paths you may be treading, and to travel on smoother ways where the gifts of God are serenely savored, so that the thought of him may give breathing space to you whose consciences are perplexed. I should like you… Read More ›
Attainment of peace of heart
Aelred of Rievaulx lists six stages to be passed through in the attainment of peace of heart and tranquility of mind. The rejection of worldly standards, particularly the search for pleasure or possessions and the ambition for honors. The setting aside of self-love, vanity, pride, and the comparison of self with others. Reflection on the… Read More ›
Growth in faith
For every gain in deep certitude there is a corresponding growth of superficial “doubt.” This doubt is by no means opposed to genuine faith, but it mercilessly examines and questions the spurious “faith” of everyday life, the human faith which is nothing but the passive acceptance of conventional opinion. Thomas Merton
Violence will not really change anything
I am against war, against violence, against violent revolution, for peaceful settlement of differences, for nonviolent but nevertheless radical changes. Change is needed, and violence will not really change anything: at most it will only transfer power from one set of bull-headed authorities to another. Thomas Merton
Our skill may end us
I believe we are going to have to prepare ourselves for the difficult and patient task of outgrowing rigid and intransigent nationalism, and work slowly towards a world federation of peaceful nations. How will this be possible? Don’t ask me. I don’t know. But unless we develop a moral, spiritual, and political wisdom that is… Read More ›
If I am true to God’s Word
God utters me like a word containing a partial thought of him. A word will never be able to comprehend the voice that utters it. But if I am true to the concept that God utters in me, if I am true to the thought of Him that I was meant to embody, I shall… Read More ›
Little Motifications are the most important
Louis de Montfort points out that interior mortifications are more important than exterior ones, even though the latter are not to be disregarded. The conquest of selfishness, or self-will, is the greatest challenge. Even the good results of difficult practices of mortification may be spoiled by self-seeking. Hence he recommends that all exterior acts of… Read More ›
The goal of fasting
The goal of fasting is inner unity. This means hearing but not with the ear; hearing, but not with the understanding; it is hearing with the spirit, with your whole being. . . . The hearing of the spirit is not limited to any one faculty, to the ear, or to the mind. Hence, it… Read More ›
Blessed candles have a mysterious role against darkness
It is a time of darkness. It is a time of light. As evil surges around us, the illuminations of God intensify. But it does no good to deny the evil. Do things feel strange to you right now? Does it seem like there is a “lull” — a feeling of aridity, or vacancy; the… Read More ›